Robbins Children’s Programs — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  1. What is Robbins Children’s Programs (RCP)?

Robbins Children’s Programs (RCP) was established in 1972 to serve the children of Greater Attleboro by providing high-quality childcare and early education in a safe, nurturing environment. RCP features 15 classrooms housed in a modern building, complete with an indoor play lobby and three playgrounds. Additionally, the organization operates eight agency vans to provide transportation to and from 12 schools in Attleboro and North Attleboro, as well as to and from home for families who enroll but lack reliable transportation.

Enrollment & Admissions

  1. How do I enroll my child in your preschool (PreK), after school or before school programs, or one of your other programs?

Families can start the enrollment process by contacting the Enrollment Coordinator to schedule a tour and a one-hour classroom visit for their child. During this visit, the enrollment paperwork will be reviewed, and the enrollment date will be discussed. Enrollment is accepted year-round, depending on available openings.

  1. Is there a waitlist to attend your PreK or after school, before school, or other programs?

Yes. If the program is full for your child’s age group, you may join a waitlist. Families are contacted as soon as a spot becomes available.

  1. What documents are required for enrollment?
  • Commonly required documents include:
  • Enrollment paperwork
  • Immunization/health forms
  • Any applicable custody or medical care plans

Program Details

  1. What age groups of children do you serve?

Services usually include care for children from 2.9 years old until the age of 13 or 8th grade.

  1. What are the hours of operation for your before school, preschool, after school and other programs/services?

Robbins Children’s Programs is open Monday–Friday during standard childcare hours, 6:30 AM-5:30 PM. Childcare cannot exceed 10 hours per day; a fee will be assessed for any time over 10 hours. RCP is open for care 52 weeks per year.

  1. What curriculum do you use?

Robbins Children’s Programs follow a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum in preschool, with children’s learning assessed using Teaching Strategies Gold. This approach emphasizes social-emotional growth, academic readiness, creativity, and hands-on learning. For our school-age children, we place a strong focus on STEAM (Science, Technology< Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). They spend numerous hours exploring all aspects of STEAM in our Makerspace, participating in various clubs, going on field trips, engaging in our science fair, and taking part in events like Lights on Afterschool and See Yourself In STEM, among other activities.

  1. Do you provide meals and snacks at your various programs, such as preschool and before and after school programs?

Breakfast is offered every morning and consists of whole-grain cereal, muffins, fruit, and milk. A hot breakfast is served 2 days per week. AM snack (Fruit or Vegetable) is offered at lunch time and PM Snack is offered in the afternoon.

  1. How do you support children with special needs?

First, we review any Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or Individualized Support Plans (ISFPs) for the child. Next, we contact the child’s school to collaborate with the teacher, ensuring our efforts at home and school align to best support the child’s learning in both environments. Additionally, RCP will purchase materials recommended in the IEP whenever feasible to help facilitate the child’s success in our program.

Health & Safety

  1. What is your illness policy for your preschool and other children’s programs?

Children who are ill or exhibit symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea must stay home until they have been free of symptoms for at least 24 hours. If a child becomes sick during the day, parents will be notified immediately and are expected to pick up their child promptly to ensure the well-being of the other children in the classroom and our Educators.

  1. Are staff trained in CPR and first aid?

Yes. All Staff and Educators are certified in CPR and First Aid.

  1. What security measures are in place at your Prek, before school, and after school, and other programs?

Procedures may include secure entry systems where all visitors must be buzzed in, visitor sign-in protocols, supervision guidelines, and emergency preparedness plans. All RCP staff have had an extensive background check done by the state of MA, which includes a Department of Criminal Justice check for arrest records, a check through the Department of Children and Families for abuse and/or neglect, and a check of the FBI’s state and national criminal history fingerprint registry before ever working with a child in the programs. The state of Massachusetts informs us whether a candidate is fit to work with the agency after all record checks have been run. Record checks can be run each year. Fingerprint screenings are mandated for renewal every five years or less if there is a concern.

Payments & Financial Assistance

  1. How much does the program cost?

Tuition varies by age group and schedule. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Enrollment Coordinator if you have questions or see our Tuition page on our website for more information.

  1. Do you accept childcare vouchers or subsidies?

Yes, we do accept state childcare income-eligible subsidies or DTA vouchers through PACE for eligible families, and we have a contracted slot with the Department of Children & Families. We also accept some RI DHS vouchers for preschool and summer care for school-age children.

  1. Are there additional fees?

A security deposit is required before enrollment. Late pick-up fees will apply if a child is picked up after closing time or if they exceed a 10-hour day. Transportation is an additional fee that subsidies may cover if verified needs exist. For our families who pay privately, transportation is included in our school-age rates.

Parent Communication

  1. How will I stay updated on my child’s day?

Parents can download ProCare, our parent communication app. Robbins Children’s Programs uses ProCare as our primary communication platform throughout the day to send text messages, emails, pictures, tuition statements, sign children in and out, and more.

  1. Can parents visit the center?

We encourage parent involvement and maintain an open-door policy, welcoming families to visit at any time.

Other Questions

  1. What is your policy on holidays and weather closures?

Each year, families receive a 12-month calendar outlining all scheduled holidays and professional development closure days. In addition to the printed calendar, reminders are sent through ProCare messages, posted on our doors, and displayed on televisions throughout the center. Holiday schedules and weather-related closures are based on the organization’s calendar and local emergency announcements.

We make every effort to notify families as early as possible about weather-related closures, delayed openings, or early dismissals. Sometimes, these decisions can be challenging due to rapidly changing conditions. We appreciate your patience as we prioritize the safety of our families and staff. Once a decision is made, notifications are sent promptly via ProCare and posted on Turn to Ten (WJAR Providence).

  1. Do you offer summer or vacation programs for children?

In our School Age Program, we do offer coverage for February/April vacation and a full-time summer program.

  1. Who can I contact with additional questions about your preschool, before school, after school, and other programs?

Families can call the main office, and one of our Administrative Assistants will connect you with the appropriate person.